A New Director or a New Direction for the C.I.A.?

Introduction

As the president considers a replacement for Gen. David Petraeus at the Central Intelligence Agency, is it time to consider not just a new leader for the agency but a new direction? Since 9/11 the C.I.A. has taken a more active paramilitary role with little public discussion. And it has continued to be embarrassed by intelligence shortcomings, like its failure to recognize the strength of the Arab Spring. Should changes be made in the way the agency is run and the way intelligence is gathered and used?